Sedation, often increases
appetite. May be less sedation at higher doses.

Less GI or sexual side effects
than SRI group. Helps sleep, agitation and anxiety. Combination of
Norepinephrine and serotonin boost. May boost other meds. Few
interactions. No Routine labs or EKG. May help GI. Generic

As with all antidepressants,
avoid
combinations or overlap with MAOI. Same time onset as SRI or TCA.

Wellbutrin
(depression, booster)

Wellbutrin
bupropion HCI

Aplenzin
bupropion HBr

Zyban

Tablet
(not scored)
75 mg
100mg

174, 348 = 300, 522mg

SR
100, 150, 200mg
150mg XL
300mg XL

Given 2-3 times a
day.
Start in the a.m.
SR 1-2 times a day.

XL once a day

Aplenzin once a day

Child:
37.5-150mg
Adoles: 75-300mg
Adult: 150-450mg

Increased energy.
Decreased appetite.

No significant sexual side
effects. No labs or EKG needed. Very few interactions.

May help Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Good for boosting other meds.

Approved to help stop smoking.

Generic

Avoid if personal seizure
history. Caution if family seizure history. Avoid if bulimia. Probably less effective than SRI for severe anxiety.

Same time onset as SRI and TCA and all other antidepressants.

(depression
sleep)

Desyrel
trazodone

Tablets
50mg,
100mg,
150mg,
300mg

Usually bedtime
only

Child: 25-200mg
Adoles: 25-300mg
Adult: 50-600mg

Sedation significant especially
with Trazodone. Dizziness.

Excellent sleep aid. Often used
to help sleep along with SRI or Wellbutrin. Not habit forming. Inexpensive
generic.

One in 10,000 risk of priapism.
Trazodone relatively weaker antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication.

SNRI
Serotonin and Norepinephrine Inhibitors

(depression,
anxiety, panic, OCD, pain)

Savella (fibromyalgia,
depression)

Fetzima
(depression)

Effexor
(venlafaxine)

Effexor XR
(venlafaxine)

Pristig XR
(desvenlafaxine)

tablet,
scored
25, 37.5, 75, 100 mg

XR (extended release)
37.5, 75, 150 mg

XR tablets
50, 100 mg

2
or 3 times a day

XR once a day

Child:
25-200 mg
Adoles: 75-300 mg
Adult: 150-450 mg

50 - < 400 mg

Similar
to SRI plus
a bit more night sweat and constipation sometimes.

Effexor
and other SNRI's
increase both serotonin and norepinephrine thus affecting two important
neurotransmitter systems, unlike SRI's. May be
broader spectrum effect because of two transmitters increased.
Fewer interactions.

Same as Effexor. Research shows some benefit
against pain. FDA approval of Cymbalta for pain is a plus.

Discontinuation syndrome (nausea, dizziness, "flu-ish,"
"out of sorts" may occur if stopped suddenly without taper or
skip on or several days. Not dangerous, but unpleasant. More likely with
Paxil or Effexor, not with Prozac because it lasts longer. Can occur with
SRI, SNRI, or TCA.

Cymbalta rare liver injury especially if alcohol abuse.

Cymbalta
(duloxetine)

capsule
20 mg
30 mg
60 mg

once or twice
a day

30-120 mg
usually 60 mg for adults

Similar to
SRI and Effexor above.
Tends to increase energy and weight neutral.

Although
Savella is an SNRI like others and approved in Europe for depression, it
is FDA approved so far only for Fibromyalgia.
Fetzima is approved for depression, not fibromyalgia. These 2 emphasize
norepinephrine more than serotonin.
Both are brand only.

Because it is an SNRI avoid use with an SRI or other SNRI.

These 2 SNRI meds are very similar to other 3.
Newer in US.

Savella
milnacipran

Fetzima
levomilnacipran

Tablets
12.5, 25, 50, 100mg

XR capsules
20, 40, 80, 120mg

Usually twice a day

Once a day

12.5 to 200mg
100mg is adult usual dose after building up slowly.

40-120mg adults

Like other SNRIs. Can affect liver or urine flow. Nausea and
constipation are most common. Little weight effect if any.

All these medications should be taken 7 days a week to be effective.
Simultaneous use of alcohol or cigarettes and especially street drugs should
be avoided. All antidepressants may increase mania risk in persons with
Bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder. All medications should be avoided if
possible in pregnancy. This chart is intended to be a summary guide, not a
full and complete list.